1. The Science MuseumÂ
The Science Museum is part of the Science Museum Group, the world’s leading group of science museums that share a world-class collection providing an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe.
The upper floor of the museum, The Wonderlab, is like a sanfdfdfdffdfcientific indoor playground with learning facilities for all ages. There’s also Exploring Space, where there’s a full-scale Apollo 11 Eagle module; Flight, where they host history’s most important aeroplanes; The Garden, which is a fabulous indoor playground for small people and the Imax Cinema.
2. Saatchi GalleryÂ
Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has provided an innovative platform for contemporary art. Exhibitions have presented works by largely unseen young artists, or by international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. And when it’s hot outside, we’d highly recommend the fountains outside the gallery for a quick cool-down.Â
3. The Kyoto Gardens, Holland ParkÂ
The Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park were opened in 1991. The gardens were symbolic – a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain.
In July 2012, the Fukushima Memorial Garden was officially opened which commemorated the gratitude of the Japanese people to the British people for their support following the natural disasters that struck in March 2011.
The garden is a traditional Japanese garden with tranquil tiered waterfalls and a serene pond full of beautiful koi carp. There are stone lanterns, Japanese maple trees and you might even spot a peacock or two wandering around, adding to the atmosphere.
4. Kensington Palace
Currently, the palace is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Other residents include Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Duke and Duchess of Kent and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Areas of Kensington Palace are open to the public. Visitors can walk through the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments and the Gardens. There are also exhibitions plus a shop and The Orangery cafe.
5. National Army Museum
Established in 1960 by Royal Charter, the National Army Museum is the United Kingdom’s leading authority on the history and traditions of the British Army. It explores the impact that soldiers from Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth have had throughout the world, from the 17th century to the present day.
But for the wee ones, they’d be most interested in the Play Base, an immersive experience for children aged 8 or under, offering a variety of fun and engaging activities, including a play assault course, a truck and a miniature cookhouse.
6. Diana Memorial Playground
The Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground opened on the 30th June 2000, in memory of the late Princess Diana. Located next to her Kensington Palace home, the playground is a fitting tribute for a princess who loved the innocence of childhood.
The playground’s centrepiece is a wooden pirate ship, and it also includes a sensory trail, teepees, a beach around the pirate ship and various play sculptures; all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants. There’s plenty of seating so the grownups can relax too.
The playground was specially designed to create an area where less able and able-bodied children can play together and seeks to provide for their physical, creative, social and educational development. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, being in such a magical environment encourages children to explore and follow their imaginations, learning whilst they play.
7. The Peter Pan StatueÂ
You can find the Peter Pan statue to the west of the Long Water, in the same spot as Peter lands his bird-nest boat in the story, ‘The Little White Bird.’
Peter Pan creator and local resident JM Barrie was inspired by Kensington Gardens. He commissioned Sir George Frampton to build the statue which has been a favourite feature of the gardens since 1912.
Bring the Peter Pan statue magically to life with your smartphone, as part of Talking Statues. Simply swipe your phone on the nearby plaque and get a personal call-back from Peter Pan.
8. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is both a world-leading science research centre and the most-visited indoor attraction in the UK last year. With a vision of a future in which both people and the planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity’s needs with those of the natural world.Â
For children, there is so much to explore, including your favourite dinosaurs, volcanoes and mammals. Â
9. Princess Diana Memorial FountainÂ
This unique memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 6th July 2004.
The fountain was built with the best materials, talent and technology. It contains 545 pieces of Cornish granite – each shaped by the latest computer-controlled machinery and pieced together using traditional skills.
The design aims to reflect Diana’s life, water flows from the highest point in two directions as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. The water is constantly being refreshed and is drawn from London’s water table.
The Memorial also symbolises Diana’s quality and openness. There are three bridges where you can cross the water and go right to the heart of the fountain. We hope visitors will feel at home when they visit this special place.
10. Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most famous music and concert venues in the world. Soak up the atmosphere, the interior and the amazing acoustics at one of more than 360 events a year, including classical music, jazz, world music, circus, rock, pop, opera, dance, comedy and tennis.
As well as enjoying a concert, You can take a guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall, enjoy a music-themed after tea, or dine at one of the venue’s restaurants, including Verdi Italian Kitchen, The Elgar Room Brasserie and Coda Restaurant by Éric Chavot.
11. The Serpentine Gallery
Championing new ideas in contemporary art since 1970, the Serpentine has presented pioneering exhibitions for half a century from a wide range of emerging practitioners to the most internationally recognised artists of our time.
Across two sites only 5 minutes apart, in London’s Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine presents a year-round, free programme of exhibitions, architecture, education, live events and technological innovation, in the park and beyond.
12. The Serpentine
Taking its name from its snakelike, curving shape, The Serpentine is a 40-acre recreational lake in Hyde Park. Although it is common to refer to the entire body of water as the Serpentine, strictly the name refers only to the eastern half of the lake.
Serpentine Bridge, which marks the boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, also marks the Serpentine’s western boundary; the long and narrow western half of the lake is known as the Long Water. There are many recreational facilities around the Serpentine, as well as boating on the lake itself.Â
13. Serpentine Lido
The Serpentine Lido is, arguably, London’s most iconic ‘open water’ swimming location, open between May and early September each year.
Alongside the Serpentine Lido is the Lido Cafe Bar which has waterside tables and is the ideal place to enjoy a snack, meal or a glass of wine.
The Serpentine Swimming Club is the oldest swimming club in Britain. They swim every day in the Lido area between 5:30 am and 9:30 am and also during the famous race on Christmas day.
14. Queen’s London Ice SkatingÂ
A great place for ice skating within the borough. Until 8pm (when it becomes an adults-only venue), ice skating is possible for everyone no matter what standard they are – whether you pull yourself along by the handle or request a mini penguin aid it’s a guaranteed good time.
15. Queen’s London BowlingÂ
Within the venue there are also 12 bowling lanes with neon lights and a cracking soundtrack. This venue becomes 18+ after 7pm every night.
16. Electric Cinema Portobello
Electric Cinema is the perfect venue for a unique and quirky cinema experience. With large armchairs, you could trick yourself into thinking that you’re in your own front room, however, it’s better, as there’s a Deli bar, coffee station and a restaurant to hand.Â
This is wonderfully luxurious cinema experience which the whole family can enjoy.
17. Whole Foods Kensington
As well as the usual beautiful natural organic food that is available at all Whole Foods Markets, the Kensington branch has in-house, skilled fishmongers, a premium butcher’s counter and a fabulous bakery.
It’s also possible to buy pizza by the slice from the bakery, fresh sushi from Genji and sweet treats from the self-serve Mochi Bar.
18. Portobello Market
Portobello is really several markets in one, Saturday being the day when all are in full swing. Then you can experience a mile of hustle, haggle, colour and energy. The feature of Saturdays is the opening of hundreds of antique and specialist shops and stalls. There are some talented and bizarre street performers to be spotted too.
19. South Kensington Farmers’ Market
On a Saturday, come rain or shine, South Kensington hosts a Farmers’ Market. Located on Bute Street, a lovely little street 5 minutes from South Ken tube. It’s full of great food shops and on Saturday the farmers’ market comes to town.
Get there early if you want fresh south coast fish or shellfish from Dorset Fish. Grab a free range sausage sandwich from The Parsons Nose, choose vegetables from Teds Veg, Perry Court Farm, Akiki Organics and Wild Country Organics.
Look out for game in season, organic eggs from Rookery Farm, grass fed lamb and beef from Beatbush Farm, Fosse Meadows free range poultry, delicious bread, cakes and pastries from Olivier’s Bakery and Artisan Foods, fresh pasta, ready to eat food from Le Moulin and more.
20. High Street Kensington Farmer’s Market
Just off High Street Ken, Phillimore Walk hosts its own Farmers’ Market every Sunday between 10am and 2pm. The stalls include tasty treats and fresh produce, including fruit and veg, cakes, cheese, meats, flowers and even specialist beers.Â
21. V&A Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum, London is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance with collections unrivaled in their scope and diversity, spanning 5000 years of human creativity.
It was established in 1852 to make works of art available to all and to inspire British designers and manufacturers. Today, its purpose is to champion the creative industry, inspire the next generation, and spark everyone’s imagination.
Families can enjoy free activities at the museum every day and during the school holidays there are hands-on making events and performances to inspire the whole family.
22. Afternoon Tea at The Kensington Hotel
The Kensington is situated in the heart of leafy Kensington, within walking distance of the Victoria and Albert, Natural History and Science Museum. Housed in a Georgian townhouse, it feels more like a home away from home rather than a traditional hotel.
Their 80 Days Around the World Afternoon Tea takes its inspiration from Jules Verne’s headstrong hero, Phileas Fogg, and his bid to win a wager by circumnavigating the globe in 80 days.
23. The Design Museum
The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary architecture and design. Its work encompasses all elements of design, including fashion, product and graphic design. Since it opened its doors in 1989 the museum has displayed everything from an AK-47 to high heels designed by Christian Louboutin.
It has staged over 100 exhibitions, welcomed over seven million visitors and showcased the work of some of the world’s most celebrated designers and architects including Paul Smith, Zaha Hadid, Jonathan Ive, Frank Gehry, Eileen Gray and Dieter Rams.
On 24 November 2016, The Design Museum relocated to Kensington, west London. John Pawson has converted the interior of a 1960s modernist building to create a new home for the Design Museum giving it three times more space in which to show a wider range of exhibitions and significantly extend its learning programme.
24. Leighton HouseÂ
Tucked away in Holland Park, a leafy neighbourhood in West London, stand Leighton House and Sambourne House. Combining living and studio space, the houses remain largely unchanged today.
They are the extraordinary legacies left by two ‘celebrities’ of the late Victorian era – Frederic Lord Leighton (1830-1896) and Edward Linley Sambourne (1844 -1910).
25. Albert MemorialÂ
The Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens is one of London’s most ornate monuments. It commemorates the death of Prince Albert in 1861 of typhoid.
The Albert Memorial is located in Kensington Gardens on Albert Memorial Road opposite the Royal Albert Hall. It is one of London’s most ornate monuments, designed by George Gilbert Scott.
Unveiled in 1872, The Albert Memorial commemorates the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, who died of typhoid fever at the age of 42.
26. Queen Victoria Statue
Designed by Princess Louise (Duchess of Argyll) in 1893, this marble statue shows her mother, Queen Victoria, in her coronation robes in 1837 at the age of 18.
Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace and grew up there, under the strict supervision of Sir John Conroy, until summoned from her bed in 1837 to become queen.
The statue was presented by the Kensington Golden Jubilee Memorial Executive Committee.
27. Japan House
Japan House London is a cultural destination offering guests the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London’s Kensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests.
Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor’s appreciation of all that Japan has to offer.Â
28. Holland Park Adventure Playground
The playground was designed to provide a high-quality play experience linking with the woodland surroundings. Exciting equipment includes a 25m zip wire; a 10-person see-saw and a 10-person dragon swinger.
The pathways and bridges are fully-accessible with a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and accessible swings.
29. Gambado
Gambado offers children the chance to play, learn, explore and party in some of the most exciting indoor play venues in the world. Ball pits, soft play, sensory areas, role play village, carousel rides and dodgems.
Party themes include Tiger Tots, Make a Bear, Foam Dart and Laser Tag. They also offer Private Hire for the ultimate VIP party experience – have the whole place to yourself!
30. Hyde Park Pet Cemetery
Opened in 1881, this well-preserved little graveyard – hiding in one of the capital’s most famous Royal Parks – offers a touching insight into Victorian London. Special one-hour viewings can be arranged by contacting The Royal Parks.
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